From the president
Finley Roman ‘28 is a Political Science major who is passionate about public policy and social change. In their first year, Finley volunteered extensively in Macalester’s Mobilize Mac initiative with election engagement. This included tabling outside of our Campus Center and assisting with educational events and programming related to the election. Finley also participated in a community organizing cohort and utilized this framework to network with peers and begin deeper public policy and organizing work. In addition, Finley was involved in a student organization promoting mental health awareness and took on leadership roles in Student Life programming for our campus. Building on work with elected officials while in high school, Finley also served as a Senate Intern at the Minnesota State Capitol this past semester. Next year, Finley will work at a local neighborhood organization in St. Paul via Macalester’s Off Campus Student Employment program. In this role, Finley will staff neighborhood committees and support residents in projects related to community goals and projects. As a Newman Civic Fellow, Finley is interested in the intersections of different levels of civic work at local, state, and federal levels as well as different types of engagement such as volunteering, public policy work and community organizing.
Personal Statement
I have long been passionate about civic awareness and engagement on all levels of government beyond election seasons. My long-lasting refrain is that one’s voice does not begin or end at the ballot box. As an intern for state representative and senator over the past two summers, I tabled at community events such as farmers markets to provide info on state programs and local initiatives. Yet, so many people did not stop by because they assumed the only time their elected officials talk to them is when there is an election. I believe that we need to go out and educate each other that once someone is elected to office, they are a resource strongly linked to their constituents. If they aren’t, mobilization for change should happen. Your government should be working for you with your input for policy to be effective. This is why I supported Macalester’s nonpartisan GOTV efforts before November 5th 2024 to encourage every fellow eligible student to make their voice heard locally and federally. I also participate as an event coordinator for Macalester Program Board to design student events focused on community building and global awareness.